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Road safety remains ever important and it’s not just motorists who need to be aware when travelling. There has been a rise in the number of serious casualties and fatalities of cyclists, increasing nearly 40% in the last five years alone.

in fact, up until July 2015 there have been 58 cycling related deaths in the UK. However, whilst this would suggest the roads are a pretty dangerous place for cyclists, this doesn’t have to be the case.

As you would expect, the statistics surrounding road cyclists are enough to put many off the idea and the prospect of being confronted with heavy traffic dissuades plenty. The fact remains though, many cyclists travel daily without a problem and by learning a little road safety you can better enjoy your journey and be confident of keeping safe.

Cycling Casualties & Fatalities

Whilst we are still awaiting official figures for 2014, estimations show a clear worry in the number of cycling casualties and fatalities. In the 12 months from September 2013 to September 2014, there was an 8% rise of incidents to 3,500 reported cases. This is a staggering 38% increase from the 2005-2009 average.

Whilst we are still awaiting official figures for 2014, estimations show a clear worry in the number of cycling casualties and fatalities. In the 12 months from September 2013 to September 2014, there was an 8% rise of incidents to 3,500 reported cases. This is a staggering 38% increase from the 2005-2009 average.

Statistics included are only those incidents reported to the police, so the chances are there are further accidents falling under the radar. In fact, there are also some occasions when even serious casualties are not reported to the police. Figures also do not include non-road incidents either. Whilst the number of cyclist deaths has come down from a peak of 1,536 in 1934 to 109 in 2013, those injured in collisions has been steadily rising again since 2004.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of casualties and deaths are adult cyclists, with children accounting for around one fifth. In general, the older the child gets the more likely they are to be involved in a road collision. It’s 10 to 15-year-olds who are most at risk though out of all categories, including adults up to 60-years-old.

Males are also more likely to be involved in a road accident than their female counterparts, with as much as 80% of road injuries and deaths being male victims. As you would also expect, urban areas account for a higher proportion of the figures, with two thirds of cyclists being killed or injured at junctions and T-junctions. Roundabouts are also particularly hazardous for cyclists.

The higher the speed limit, the more likely a cyclist is to be involved in a collision too. Also, as most cycling takes place during daylight hours, this is when the majority of accidents occur; around 80% in fact. According to statistics it’s 8am-9am and 3pm-6pm which are the most dangerous hours for a cyclist.

In summary:

Serious accidents occur most in urban areas; up to 75% of fatal accidents

Though 50% of fatalities are on rural roads, where the speed limit is likely increased

Road junctions are responsible for 75% of incidents

Male cyclists make up 80% of collisions

Head injuries account for up to 75% of major injuries.

Types of Cycling Accident

Cycling accidents and collisions can be attributed to many reasons, depending on the age demographic involved. For instance, children are most likely to be injured when playing, doing tricks or racing too fast and losing control. It’s teenagers and adults on the other hand, who are most likely to collide with motor vehicles. There are also around 16% of accidents attributed to the cyclist losing control and these do not involve any other vehicle.

When it comes to collisions involving a cyclist and motorist, one of the key factors lodged by police is either party failing to look properly. This is particularly the case at junctions. Motorists seem most at fault in this regard, with a 57% swing.

Other contributory reasons for serious injuries in road collisions include:

Cyclists entering the road from the pavement (20%)

A poor turn/maneuver (17%)

Careless/Reckless/In a hurry (17%).

As expected there’s also greater risk to cyclists when drivers have been impaired by alcohol or are exceeding the speed limit.

In London especially, it seems cyclists are also at risk from HGVs. In the capital city 20% of fatalities involve these vehicles, especially turning left at a junction.

Common Cycling Injuries

Injuries from cycling road accidents vary depending on the nature of the collision. The seriousness is also affected based on how the cyclist is injured from both the initial impact and resulting fall. Some of the more common accidents include:

cyclist is injured from both the initial impact and resulting fall. Some of the more common accidents include:

Drivers emerging from a side road into the path of a cyclist

Drivers turning across the natural path of the cyclist

Cyclists riding into the path of a vehicle, particularly when entering the road from a path

Cyclists turning right on either a major or minor road

Children playing on their bikes or riding carelessly.

Limb Injuries - For cyclists involved in less serious accidents, it’s often the limbs that are injured. From records, around 40% of cyclists suffer from injuries to their arms and 25% to their legs.

Torso Injuries - Whilst injuries to the chest or abdomen are less common than limbs, they do present a greater risk or serious injury or fatality. It’s also typical for an injury of this nature to be accompanied by a head wound.

Head Injuries - From the possible injuries you’d suffer as a cyclist, head injuries are by far the worst and most life threatening. If you’re lucky you’d escape the collision with minor concussion or cuts, as there is the potential for permanent brain damage and skull fracture. These are both deadly. Hospital data suggests 40% of cyclists suffer head injury in a collision and 70% of fatalities in London and rural areas have moderate or serious head injuries.

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